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James Hoffman Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for James Hoffman
Gerard McHale
September 18, 2021
I saw Jim's portrait among many others a at a current exhibit at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, entitled Portrait of a Soldier, which led me to look a little closer at both his background and Army service.
https://www.ahml.info/node/100010837
Although we never met, we were contemporaries. I was born a little over a year before Jim, and grew up in Arlington Heights. I enlisted in the Army in 1987, the same year James made the decision to go on active duty from the Reserves. While Jim and I served in different units, and in different capacities, he was my brother in every sense of he word. I deployed, as did Jim, during the earliest days of Desert Shield in 1990, assigned to the 24th Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, GA, while I learned that Jim had also deployed at that time with the 101st Air Assault Division from Fort Campbell.
While our paths never crossed, we were in fact deployed under the same orders, along with the other unit in the 18th Airborne Corps, the 82nd Airborne Division. I had close friends in both of those units, and given the nature of the MOS I and many of my friends served in, it would not surprise me if one of them crossed paths with Jim while on deployment. It's a small world, and the world gets a lot smaller on a deployment, in many respects.
By all accounts, he comes across as the kind of soldier and senior NCO any man would want to serve under. The biggest responsibility of any NCO is to take care of the soldiers underneath him, and it's clear from the testimonials I've read here that he fulfilled that duty on a daily basis.
My condolences to the Hoffman family and all those who knew and were close to Jim. Time may heal all wounds, but the void of losing a loved one in any circumstances, but especially in combat, leaves a void that can never be completely filled. I hope you have found peace as time has passed.
My best regards,
Gerard McHale
US Army, 124th Military Intelligence Battalion, 24th Infantry Division, 1987-1991
Tyler
November 4, 2020
Well, I dont know much about uncle jimmy besides that he was a hero, My grandpa (his dad) told great stories about him. My name is Tyler mcleod i am 10 years old.
September 15, 2013
Thank you for your service & sacrifice for our country. You will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
January 27, 2013
To the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class James T. Hoffman:
It has truly been my honor to sign James' guest book these past few years. Unfortunately, due to complications from my Multiple Sclerosis, this may be the last message I'm able to write. Please forgive me and know that James will always be remembered in my home.
With love and respect ~ Peggy
D Thornton
May 28, 2012
I served with Sgt Hoffman back in Friedberg germany in the 23rd engineers. Gone but not forgotten brother!!!
Peggy Childers
January 31, 2012
January 27, 2012
To the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class James T. Hoffman:
Always remembering James. "Some gave all."
james hoffman
February 2, 2011
im so sorry to here about this terrible situation i did not know the sgt but i know he was a good man because we both share the name of james thomas hoffman im am a ez marine from the vietnam era and came back alive and stupid so i will say a prayer for him every nite im 59 years old and living in texas my peace be with his family and i know jesus has got him working on something ;james t hoffman graham texas 76450
Peggy Childers
January 27, 2011
To the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class James T. Hoffman:
Please accept my remembrance of James on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Sheila Johnson
October 8, 2010
To the family of James T. Hoffman; Please contact me in reference to a Memorial being held for Kentucky Fallen Heroes. We would like the family to participate in the ceremony. Thanks
MARY (ZOBLISIEN) AESCHBACHER
April 23, 2010
THANK YOU FOR LETTING US REST OUR HEADS AT NIGHT WITHOUT FEAR.
Peggy Childers
January 27, 2010
To the family and friends of Sgt. 1st Class James T. Hoffman:
Remembering James on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Donna Gillette
January 24, 2010
To the Family of Sgt 1st Class James Hoffman,
I want to let you know that James is not forgotten and is in the prayers of many. From reading about him one thing was left out. It seems he was a gentle man. May God keeps you in his graces til you meet again.
Kenna
November 23, 2009
”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,800 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
This is a gift! We have some wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and only want you know that we care.
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Peggy Childers
January 27, 2009
To the family of Sgt. 1st Class James T. Hoffman:
James gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
March 22, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt 1st Class Hoffman!
Debbie , Kenny Coffey
January 27, 2008
Our continued thoughts and prayers out to the HOFFMAN family.Knowing now what they have always known is one of many reasons that our HERO[ES] shall NEVER be forgotten.Rest well brother as prommissed that star spangled banner shall FOREVER wave.Your name stamped in steel is FOREVER clutched in the tallons ,as your spirit FOREVER soars high in the skies in the symbol of our great nation..THANK..YOU...HO..YAAH.......B.V.C.
Barb
August 16, 2007
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIMMY!!!
Not a day goes by, that I don't think about you.
August 6, 2007
I don't pretend to know what to say or do that would bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON (KIA on 07/06/07) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY
July 8, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Sgt 1st Class Hoffman and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Zacchary Custer
June 20, 2007
SFC Hoffman was an outstanding leader, which is a gross understatement. Through his leadership, I learned to be the soldier that I am now. I look up to him still today and will always lead by his example. It was a great honor to know him. He will be truly be missed. May God be with his family. My prayers are with you.
SGT Zacchary Custer
thomas zoblisien
May 25, 2007
To the Hoffman family; I am very sorry for the loss of James. James and I were in the same squad in the first Gulf War. James was a good guy to be around and was very much a solider's, soliders. He will be very much missed and he has provided a tomorrow for my children.
Squad, attention: C-co 326 Engr 101st, 2nd plt 1st squad roll call,
SSG Stanley, Pfc Jones, Spc Wilder, Pfc Morino, Pfc Purvis, Sgt Zoblisien, Sgt Hoffman, Sgt Hoffman, Sgt Hoffman.... you will be missed.
Joshua Meade
February 20, 2007
I should have written this long long ago. I just didn't know exactly what to write. I knew Jim very briefly in my life, but it is an honor and privilege to have known such a man as Jim.
Jim married my mom many moons ago. He was a short time stepfather to me and I have some fond memories of him growing up in and around Ft. Campbell, and Whitesburg.
Thinking back to those times there is one or two memories I'd like to share. For one, he bought this old Jeep off my grandmother that should have been sold for scrap but with Jim's mechanical aptitude he somehow nursed that vehicle back to health. My grandmother called it "rolling death" and anytime anyone had tried to drive it, the Jeep inevitably would let someone down and you'd have to call for a tow. Jim I think , never had a problem with it. It shocked us all. It was always a good memory to talk about that old ragged Jeep and Jim bringing it back to life.
I also remember a time when I was trapped in a laundry room because the washing machine had vibrated out of control and had blocked me in. At the time I was too little to move it back so I could get out of that suffocatingly small room. Enter Jim, he came to the rescue. He somehow managed to pry open the door enough to let me out and eventually move the washing machine.
When my mom, his ex-wife, found out about his death, it hit her hard, well it hit our whole family like a ton of bricks. She has since passed away but I could tell after she found out that a small piece of life had been ripped from her soul after finding out that Jim had died in Iraq.
Jim is one of the most respectful and considerate men I have had the experience of knowing despite the brevity of our encounter. Rest in Peace Jim. You are not forgotten. Your service to our country as well as the countless that have come before and will come after is commendable. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
February 6, 2007
Jimmy,
It's been 3 years now and you are always in my thoughts. We are all so proud of you. Until we meet again~
Love from your sis,
Barb
Garnet Jenkins
January 27, 2007
In Remembrance of this Fine Young Soldier, Sgt. 1st Class James T. Hoffman, on the 3rd anniversary of the day he gave his life for our Country and for Freedom.
May James, rest safely in God's Care and know that he is a True American hero, that shall Never Be Forgotten.
May the Peace of the Lord be with the Hoffman family.
There will never be enough ways, to humbly thank these Heroes, for their Supreme Sacrifice, my brother among them. KIA-Vietnam 1967.
"And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes,
there shall be no more death,
nor sorrow, nor crying,
there shall be no more pain.
For the former things have have passed away."
Revelations 21:4
May you find peace in knowing the love and memories you have of James, will remain in your heart forever and that this Country remembers his sacrifice.
I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Lillie Cotham
January 10, 2007
My name is Lillie Cotham; I am one of three coordinators for the state of Kentucky Home of the Brave Quilt Program. First let me offer my deepest sympathy to the family of James Hoffman. I know your hearts are broken by the loss of your loved one.
We are trying to locate a family member of James to present them a quilt in his honor. If anyone can help us with a name or telephone number for a family member, please contact me.
Lillie Cotham
[email protected]
Adam Lessner
December 8, 2006
Our Deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Hoffman family. Jimmy is a true Hero who's name will live in history forever and our hearts until we meet Jimmy again. Jimmy gave the ultimate sacrifice any one can give for anothers freedom, and we all Thank Jimmy for his Heroism. I was 6 when he joined the Army to do a job most men are not brave enough to do. However my older siblings have great stories of Jimmy, and that makes me feel like I grew up with him too. We grew up kiddie corner from the Hoffman's on Glenn, and my family and I couldn't be more proud of knowing such a great friend! Jimmy lives in our hearts everyday and will never be Forgotten! Thank you Sgt. 1st Class James T. Hoffman for given the Ultimate sacrifice!
MARK LEATHERS
May 30, 2006
im truly sorry for the loss of such a fine soldier,SFC Hoffman always treated people the way he wanted to be treated. i spoke with him not but a half hour before his death at TQ, iraq. he is forever in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
February 14, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Hoffman family in the loss of James. I did not know James, but my heart is broken and I am sadden for your loss of such a fine young man and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. James, it has just been a little over 2 years since you were taken, but you will never be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Sue Williams
December 15, 2005
I ran across your web-site looking for the wounded hero's fund. I just wanted to let you know my prayers are with. I father was a lifer in the army, he is now 79 years old. he was one of the luckier ones. Our freemond is precious. We owe our guys everything.
angela macon
December 10, 2005
MY STEPDAD WAS AVERY GOOD MAN. THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT. LOVE,ANGLEA MACON
Sam Blair
August 17, 2005
god has called James home to be with our father in heaven. no more pain or suffering.
Pamela Patrick
July 30, 2005
To the family I send my prayers.
March 2, 2004
My deepest sympathy to the whole family.
Denise Novak
February 11, 2004
To the hoffman family,
My deepest condolences. We lived next door to each other on Kingfisher Lane.My son Jim served in the Army and my heart aches for all of you, because I too buried my jim in July of 2001.I miss him every day. Life is never the same.
They will live in our hearts forever.If I can be of any help please contact me anytime.
Sincerely,Denise Novak
Hal Ecksten
February 8, 2004
Dear Friends,
I just returned home from attending the services for Jim at Ft. Riley, KS with eight other former classmates at Palatine High School. It was a wonderful and emotional experience for us to gather to celebrate Jim and the memories that we all have of him.
The services for Jim were outstanding. He was honored for being a true American Hero. His fellow soldiers and superior officers spoke very highly of Jim and of his committment and devotion to his family and fellow troops. Like those of us who went to school with Jim, they also remember his smile, good nature and sense of humor.
Jim will be greatly missed. God bless him and his family.
Dan Hoffman
February 7, 2004
Dear Friends,
We are overwhelmed from the show of support for our family, and very thankful for your calls, flowers, cards and Mass offerings in memory of our brother and hero, James T. Hoffman. We have just returned from Fort Riley, Kansas where Jim was honored in a memorial service, and then buried in the soldiers’ cemetery on base. He was awarded the bronze star and a purple heart. Our spirits were lifted by the sheer numbers of people whose lives Jim affected: soldiers, neighbors, friends, family and strangers. Jim was remembered by his superiors for his devotion to his troops and his family. He strived for peace and harmony both in his work and his everyday life.
Many of you have asked us what you can do, other than pray. A memorial fund has been established for Chelsea’s college tuition. Donations may be sent c/o The James T. Hoffman Memorial Fund; Ft. Riley National Bank; Ft. Riley, KS 66442. Jim and Vickie were raising Chelsea as if she were their own child, and Vickie will continue to care for Chelsea just as they had planned.
While on post in Kansas, we learned of the Wounded Soldiers Fund. In a nutshell the WSF assists those financially distressed soldiers from the Fort Riley area that are seriously wounded at war and in peace time. The fund operates under the local chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) a non-profit 501C3 fund, so any donations are tax deductible. Through the support of AUSA and friends of Fort Riley, a memorial will be built to honor those that died in the war on terror. This memorial will be located at Fort Riley Kansas, and will consist of marble granite base of a pentagon with two towers jetting upward at each end. On these towers the names of the units that deployed from and through Fort Riley will be etched on the front with the names of those who died from Fort Riley etched on the back.
The fund is offering magnetic ribbons for a suggested donation of $5.00. They come in yellow or our patriotic red, white and blue, and look great on the car or refrigerator. They remind those around us of the great sacrifice many men and women are making to protect our freedoms and our peaceful world, and not to forget them in our daily routine. We brought some extras back with us, so let us know if you would like one…or more.
We are planning a memorial Mass to be held in Palatine, Illinois on Saturday, March 6 at Saint Thomas of Villanova Catholic Church. All are welcome.
We appreciate your ongoing prayers. You have been an invaluable source of support for us during this very difficult time, and you have our heartfelt thanks.
Gratefully yours,
Dan and Kathy Hoffman
and the entire Hoffman Family: Vickie, Chelsea, Pat, Fred, Fred Jr., Eric, Tom, Barbara, Jennifer, Mark, Breanna, Katie, Mackenzie, Sydney, Patrick, Benjamin, Cleo, David and Tiffany.
Dan Hoffman
February 7, 2004
Dear Friends,
We are overwhelmed from the show of support for our family, and very thankful for your calls, flowers, cards and Mass offerings in memory of our brother and hero, James T. Hoffman. We have just returned from Fort Riley, Kansas where Jim was honored in a memorial service, and then buried in the soldiers’ cemetery on base. He was awarded the bronze star and a purple heart. Our spirits were lifted by the sheer numbers of people whose lives Jim affected: soldiers, neighbors, friends, family and strangers. Jim was remembered by his superiors for his devotion to his troops and his family. He strived for peace and harmony both in his work and his everyday life.
Many of you have asked us what you can do, other than pray. A memorial fund has been established for Chelsea’s college tuition. Donations may be sent c/o The James T. Hoffman Memorial Fund; Ft. Riley National Bank; Ft. Riley, KS 66442. Jim and Vickie were raising Chelsea as if she were their own child, and Vickie will continue to care for Chelsea just as they had planned.
While on post in Kansas, we learned of the Wounded Soldiers Fund. In a nutshell the WSF assists those financially distressed soldiers from the Fort Riley area that are seriously wounded at war and in peace time. The fund operates under the local chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) a non-profit 501C3 fund, so any donations are tax deductible. Through the support of AUSA and friends of Fort Riley, a memorial will be built to honor those that died in the war on terror. This memorial will be located at Fort Riley Kansas, and will consist of marble granite base of a pentagon with two towers jetting upward at each end. On these towers the names of the units that deployed from and through Fort Riley will be etched on the front with the names of those who died from Fort Riley etched on the back.
The fund is offering magnetic ribbons for a suggested donation of $5.00. They come in yellow or our patriotic red, white and blue, and look great on the car or refrigerator. They remind those around us of the great sacrifice many men and women are making to protect our freedoms and our peaceful world, and not to forget them in our daily routine. We brought some extras back with us, so let us know if you would like one…or more. You may read more about the AUSA on their website, www.ausa.org.
We are planning a memorial Mass to be held in Palatine, Illinois on Saturday, March 6 at Saint Thomas of Villanova Catholic Church. All are welcome.
We appreciate your ongoing prayers. You have been an invaluable source of support for us during this very difficult time, and you have our heartfelt thanks.
Gratefully yours,
Dan and Kathy Hoffman
and the entire Hoffman Family: Vickie, Chelsea, Pat, Fred, Fred Jr., Eric, Tom, Barbara, Jennifer, Mark, Breanna, Katie, Mackenzie, Sydney, Patrick, Benjamin, Cleo, David and Tiffany.
John O'Driscoll
February 6, 2004
My deepest regrets and sympathy to the entire Hoffman Family. I remember Jimmy as a happy and fun loving guy who was always willing to lend a hand. I can only thank him, and all of the military men and women, who have paid the ultimate price so that we may enjoy our freedom here at home. The entire Hoffman family will be in our thoughts and prayers. May he rest in Peace. God bless.
Cyndy Ward
February 5, 2004
My deepest sympathy to the whole family. I did not know that Jimmy went into the Army, but knowing him, that does not suprise me, he was always brave. I'm glad we have people like him to fight for us, that takes alot of courage.
I grew up with the Hoffman Family on Sayles drive, although it's been over 20 years since I've seen any of you, I have not forgotten about any of you. May it bring you a little comfort @ this terrible time to know that he is now with God. Cyndy Ward
Michael Knaus
February 5, 2004
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the entire Hoffman Family, and as a Police Officer and a Former Marine, I know that Jim paid the highest scrafice known to Man for our Freedom and Safety, and that I am both Thankful and Proud of Jim and that my thoughts and Prayers are with Jim and his entire Family. God Bless all of you.
February 5, 2004
I am so sorry for your loss... my sympathy & prayers are with his family & friends.
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